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4.22.2013

City's breaking down on a camel's back.They just have to go 'cause they don't know wackSo all you fill the streets it's appealing to seeYou won't get out the county, 'cause you're bad and free-Gorillaz

Beijing is finally beginning to thaw out! Sort of. We have ditched our long underwear under our jeans, and going out without a hat does not result in brain freeze. But we are still wearing the same down jackets that we have worn every single day for the last 7 months. No, I have not washed my jacket. If I do, I will have no jacket for three days. That is how long it will take to dry in this less than warm air (China has no clothes dryers). And being cold for three days is not appealing.

Spring has teased us with a few nice days of 70F weather and clear skies. There is nothing like a clear, spring-like day that compels me to go outside and run around. One Saturday morning, I rode my bike to Olympic Park. North of the Bird's Nest and the Watercube is the Olympic Park Forest. Running paths marked for 3K, 5K, and 10K distances transverse the forest's hills and ponds. Several runners (real runners, with running gear and everything) use these paths, and like me, dodge the throngs of strolling people. That warm Saturday I spent about 3 hours jogging, sightseeing, and people watching.

Like an apology for the 7 months of cold, grey skies, and otherwise misery, Beijing is blossoming with all sorts of beautiful blooms. Strawberries and pineapples fill the fruit stands at nearly every corner. The children fly kites in the afternoon breeze. Restaurants have set up tables on the sidewalks so customers can enjoy Beijing fresh air.